Three arrested on extortion charges after fake kidnapping

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department is reporting that an extortion investigation has yielded three arrests.

Officers at the East Precinct were informed on Monday by a victim who said his friend had been kidnapped by drug dealers on February 17th and held for ransom. The victim stated that he had already delivered money to the suspects, but they had told him it was not enough.

Investigators were able to locate the suspects and they admitted to planning the story with the victim's friend.

30-year-old Dennis Niebruegge, 46-year-old Michelle Byars and 45-year-old Anthony Wiley are all facing a count of Extortion each. They are being held in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.

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